Gorilla Peppers (Grains of Selim, Uda (Igbo name in Nigeria), Ethiopian pepper, Ashanti pepper, Kimba / Senegal pepper, sometimes West African long pepper)

A West African species of pepper vine in the same genus as black pepper (Piper nigrum); Native to the Guinea forest region of West Africa.  The whole dried pods can be used, not just the seeds.

If included, the pods look a bit like tiny rough catkins or short long-pepper spikes.  We sell the seeds only.

Flavor profile

Compared with black pepper it is: Smokier, Resinous / incense-like, Slightly bitter, Mildly peppery heat

Many people detect notes of: clove, eucalyptus, camphor, allspice

What is sometimes called “gorilla pepper” is generally the same spice as Piper guineense, though the name can be used loosely. The spice is better known by several other names:

Grains of Selim, Uda (Igbo name in Nigeria), Ethiopian pepper, Ashanti pepper, Kimba / Senegal pepper, sometimes West African long pepper

Typical culinary uses

In West African cooking it appears in: pepper soups, stews with goat or fish, smoked meats, spice blends for broths

Usually it is broken and simmered, then sometimes removed before serving.